Pleasure Craft Operator Card ( PCOC )

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times.

Proof of competency for for Non-Residents of Canada can take 1 of 3 forms:

1) An operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their state or country; or

2) A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (issued by an accredited Canadian Course Provider); or

3) A completed rental boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats)

And for Canadian Residents

1) A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;

2) Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or,

3) A completed rental-boat safety checklist.

If you choose to get the operator card it is good-for-life and is excellent preparation for a safe boating vacation. If you choose not to get the card then you will most likly be using option 3 above the boat rental safety checklist which is a dockside boat orientation along with signing a waiver.

These requirements have been phased in over the last ten years.

Date at which proof of competency is required *

How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes:

All Motorboat operators born after April 1, 1983, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 1999.
All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal watercraft, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2002.
All operators, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2009.

* These requirements apply in areas outside the Northwest and Nunavut Territories at this time.

** Applies to non-residents operating their pleasure craft in Canadian waters after 44 consecutive days. Operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency.

If you hold any certificate on the List of Certificates of Competency, Training Certificates and other Equivalencies as Proof of Competency when Operating a Pleasure Craft , you already meet the requirements of the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations – you just need to make sure you carry your certificate on board. Proof of certification may include original documentation or a copy of the certificate.

Please Download
The Boat Operators Study Guide

Visit AAA Boating Safety to do the test

Transport Canada accredited course provider

AAA is an accredited course provider approved by Transport Canada to issue the Pleasure Craft Operator Card to those who successfully pass the Boating Safety Course and Test.

Who Is Affected?

Effective September 15, 2009, all Canadians who are operator of powered vessels in Canada will require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or proof of competency onboard) and Americans staying longer than 44 consectutive days in Canada or who bring their own boat into Canada. (NOTE this information is still new and is subject to changes of interpretation.)

The " Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations " require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency onboard at all times.